December 2023 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New paper quantifying the energy requirements of bowhead whales in West Greenland
by Fredrik Christiansen 05 Dec '23

05 Dec '23

Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are happy to announce the publication of the following paper in Polar Biology: Christiansen, F., Tervo, O.M., Heide-Jørgensen, M.P. & Teilmann, J. 2023. Prey consumption of bowhead whales in West Greenland estimated from drone measurements of body size and condition. Polar Biology. doi: 10.1007/s00300-023-03207-8. Abstract: Understanding the energy requirement and prey consumption of Arctic predators is crucial to assess their vulnerability to climate change. The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is the largest predator of the Arctic, with Disko Bay in Greenland constituting a major feeding ground for a segment (predominantly larger juveniles and adult non-lactating females) of the Eastern Canada-West Greenland population. We used unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry to measure the body size and condition of bowhead whales in Disko Bay during the spring (March 26–June 1, 2022), from which we quantified their energy requirements and prey consumption. Measurements of body length, width and height were used to estimate the body volume and condition of juveniles (50 measurements from 39 individuals) and adults (232 measurements from 154 individuals). The body condition of adults increased at a rate of 0.112 percentage points day−1, or 44.1–87.8 L of blubber day−1 (for lengths 13.0–17.0 m). Using published data from harvested whales, the estimated blubber mass gain was 37.1–73.9 kg day−1, which equals an energy deposition rate of 1.01–2.01 GJ day−1. Body maintenance costs were predicted from allometric models, while activity costs and the heat increment of feeding were derived from published archival tag data. Reported length-at-age curves were used to estimate somatic growth costs. The energy requirements for juveniles and adults were 0.621–0.778 GJ day−1 (for lengths 11.0–12.9 m) and 3.662–7.826 GJ day−1 (for lengths 13.0–17.0 m), respectively, which equals a prey consumption rate of 17–22 kg of prey day−1 (0.1% of body mass) and 102–218 kg day−1 (0.3% of body mass). The paper can be accessed from the following link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00300-023-03207-8 Best regards, Fredrik Christiansen Senior Researcher Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark f.christiansen(a)ecos.au.dk<mailto:f.christiansen@ecos.au.dk> http://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=vkA5Y3EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Fredrik_Christiansen3/?ev=hdr_xprf

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New Publication: Arctic habitat suitability modeling for sperm and northern bottlenose whales
by Ellyn Davidson 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

Hi Marmam community, My co-authors and I are happy to share our new publication "Opportunistic sightings from fisheries surveys inform habitat suitability for northern bottlenose whales (*Hyperoodon ampullatus*) and sperm whales (*Physeter macrocephalus*) in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, Canadian Arctic" available open access in Marine Ecology Progress Series https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v723/p57-71/ Abstract: Knowledge of spatial habitat patterns is critical for understanding the ecology of cetaceans and informing conservation efforts. However, this can be difficult to obtain for species that live in deep, offshore Arctic waters where they are not easily observed. We investigated habitat suitability for 2 cetacean species, northern bottlenose whale *Hyperoodon ampullatus* and sperm whale *Physeter macrocephalus*, in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, eastern Canadian Arctic. Presence locations were obtained from a unique marine mammal sightings data set where observations were opportunistically recorded during annual government-led fisheries surveys (1999-2017). Environmental variable data were used as predictors in presence-only habitat suitability modelling in Maxent software. A total of 12 sperm whales were observed at 9 unique locations, and 282 northern bottlenose whales were observed at 66 unique locations. The best habitat suitability model for sperm whale (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.72) and for northern bottlenose whale (AUC = 0.88) indicated higher suitability for both species in the central portion of the study area; higher suitability for sperm whales was also present in the southern part of the study area. A future projections scenario using environmental data from 2021 forecasted an increase in suitability in northern regions for both species. Post-model comparisons identified significant relationships between survey effort and habitat suitability, and squid biomass and habitat suitability for both species, although the variance explained by these models was low. We discuss the importance of monitoring cetacean range expansion of temperate whales in the Arctic and how this could lead to shifts in ecosystem dynamics and increased conflict with commercial fisheries -- *Ellyn Davidson, MRM *(she/her) PhD Candidate, Hussey Lab - Movement and Trophic Ecology husseylab.com <https://www.husseylab.com/> University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario Traditional Territory of the Three Fires Confederacy @ellyn_melon

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U.S. Navy Living Marine Resource Program Need Topics - call for pre-proposals
by LMR Program 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

The U.S. Navy Living Marine Resources (LMR) applied research program is seeking pre-proposals pertaining to five need topics. The FY22 need topics include: 1) demonstrate and validate the ability of existing sparse acoustic array technology to address Navy marine species monitoring goals, 2) demonstrate existing marine mammal tag technologies, 3) improve the ability to identify calling individual from acoustic tags. Details regarding the need topics mentioned above and what information is required in a pre-proposal can be found at https://www.navfac.navy.mil/lmr/proposals. All pre-proposals should be submitted via email to exwc_lmr_program(a)navy.mil. Pre-proposals pertaining to these need topics will be accepted until 11:59 PM PST on 02 December 2021. If invited, offerors will be asked to submit a full proposal.

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New Publication: Standardizing gross descriptions of cetacean skin lesions
by Meghan Sutton 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am pleased to share with you our new publication in Frontiers in Marine Science entitled "Standardizing gross descriptions of skin lesions in common bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) stranded in Southwest Florida, 2015–2019." Abstract As the first line of defense, the integumentary system is critical in comprehensively evaluating dolphin morbidity during stranding response. Most published studies on skin lesions in bottlenose dolphins (*Tursiops truncatus*) lack standardized gross descriptions and methodologies for evaluating lesions. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an assessment matrix designed to consistently describe skin lesions based on a set of standardized gross description characteristics. The matrix was implemented by reviewing necropsy reports, histopathology reports, and photographs collected from bottlenose dolphins stranded in Southwest Florida from 2015 through 2019. Of the 32 dolphins that met the inclusion criteria, 19 presented with skin lesions and five reviewers described each of the 46 lesions according to a novel, standardized assessment matrix. The most common descriptor selected, in each of the respective matrix categories, were, by anatomic location, head; distribution, multifocal to coalescing; quantity, moderate (10–30); size, <2 cm; shape, punctate; margin, rounded; color modifier, hyperpigmentation; texture, smooth; and texture modifier, flat. These prevalent descriptors coincided with the frequent occurrence of histologically described hydropic degeneration (n=7, 15.2%) and were confirmed poxviral lesions in 6.52% (n=3). Identifying lesion patterns using standardized descriptors capitalizes on the unique pathogen tissue tropism and the implementation of certain disease mechanisms in the integumentary system. Therefore, it can facilitate differential disease diagnoses and guide ancillary diagnostics testing. The use of standardized descriptors will aid in etiologic identification and monitoring of skin lesions and associated diseases, advancing our understanding of dolphin morbidity and mortality. Open access is available here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1269075/full Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Regards, Meghan Sutton Joachim, M.P.S. meghan.sutton02(a)gmail.com

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Position Open: Soundwatch/Be Whale Wise Coordinator
by Jenny Atkinson 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

Position: Soundwatch/Be Whale Wise Coordinator. Year-round FT employment includes benefits. http://www.whalemuseum.org/programs/soundwatch/soundwatch.html Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington, USA Established in 1979 as the first U.S. museum dedicated to whales living in the wild, The Whale Museum (TWM) promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. The Soundwatch Boater Education Program was initiated in 1993 by TWM to reduce disturbances to marine wildlife caused by irresponsible boater behaviors. This innovative program educates boaters on guidelines and regulations for marine wildlife through shore-based education, reinforces the learning experience through on-the-water educational patrols, monitors vessel activities to characterize vessel trends, and evaluate existing guidelines and laws. The main focus of our work is the endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) but there are other marine mammal species of importance in our region, including Transient killer whales, Minke whales, Humpback whales, Fin whales, Harbor porpoise, Dall's porpoise, Harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and many other cetacean and pinniped species. A key component of Soundwatch is the transboundary Be Whale Wise Program. The Coordinator oversees all aspects of the Soundwatch and Be Whale Wise Programs including, but not limited to: coordination of seasonal field operations; small vessel operations/maintenance, Be Whale Wise education/outreach on marine stewardship; maintenance of the program long-term data sets and database; preparation of program reports; training, mentoring and coordination of volunteers, interns and seasonal contract employees; assistance with grant writing/fund raising; collaborate with partner monitoring programs, the whale watch industry and federal and state marine mammal management and enforcement teams. The successful candidate should understand and have experience with U.S. and Canadian recovery priorities related to the endangered SRKWs. The Coordinator reports to TWM Executive Director and works cooperatively with other museum staff. This position is classed as year-round, full-time Management/Administrative with field work responsibilities. The successful candidate will have: * Bachelor's Degree plus 7 years' experience in a relevant field, specifically marine mammal research in the wild * Minimum 4 years' experience in small vessel operations, with previous experience operating around marine wildlife. Familiarity with VHF radio use and etiquette. Washington State Boater License required * Experience in education and/or outreach * Strong knowledge of marine ecosystems, marine mammal biology and natural history, specifically the endangered SRKWs and the Salish Sea * Strong verbal and written communication skills necessary for public interaction, conflict resolution, department planning, grant writing and project management experience * Team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to interact effectively with staff & board, interns/volunteers, visitors, members, and the public * Ability to multi-task and work flexible schedule, specifically some weekends and evenings * Ability to collect and synthesize information; effective problem solving skills * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail * Ability to lift 40 lbs. or more and to stand for long periods of time * Excellent computer/technological skills (i.e., database management, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office) Salary range is $63,000-68,000 (varies based on experience, relocation support needs and start date). Benefit package includes: Health Care (medical, vision, dental), Simple IRA Retirement Plan Contribution, Paid Time Off and Holidays. HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a PDF file containing your letter of interest, resume and at least three references. Your letter of interest must address (1) examples of accomplishments to illustrate your experience for this role; (2) your philosophy about the position; and (3) insight into what draws you to The Whale Museum's mission at this time in your career. Please Note: International applicants required to have approved Visa and documentation to work in the U.S. at the time of submission. Please email your PDF package to: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director, The Whale Museum - email: Jenny(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:Jenny@whalemuseum.org> Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are not made based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected group status. The duties listed are to give prospective applicants a better understanding of the position. This is not a comprehensive list of job duties. Position open until filled. Please send to: Jenny L. Atkinson, Executive Director, The Whale Museum, P. O. Box 945, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or email: jenny(a)whalemuseum.org <mailto:jenny@whalemuseum.org> Jenny L. Atkinson Executive Director The Whale Museum P. O. Box 945 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-4710 ext. 26 www.whalemuseum.org <http://www.whalemuseum.org>

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New paper: Abundance estimates of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Irish coastal waters using mark-recapture and citizen science.
by MIGUEL BLAZQUEZ HERVAS - RESEARCH 04 Dec '23

04 Dec '23

Dear colleagues, On behalf of my co-authors, I am happy to share our recent publication titled: Abundance estimates of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Irish coastal waters using mark-recapture and citizen science. Abstract: Abundance estimates are crucial for implementing effective conservation measures for large marine megafauna – particularly cetaceans. When combined with robust research methodologies, citizen science can provide a very useful tool to monitor large baleen whale populations, especially given their migratory nature, with individuals covering large areas typically exceeding the capacity of single research teams. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has been collecting humpback whale photo‐ID data in the inshore waters of Ireland since 1999. The Group curates a catalogue that contained 120 individual humpback whales up to 2022. Most of these data were obtained through citizen science and the catalogue was built following robust methodologies and strict data‐quality protocols. We used this photo‐ID catalogue to derive the first comprehensive abundance estimates for the species in Irish waters using mark‐recapture modelling techniques. We applied two approaches: (1) open population maximum likelihood mark recapture models based on the POPAN formulation; (2) a multi‐site mark‐recapture model selection framework based on Bayesian inference. The first method yielded a humpback whale superpopulation size of 154 ± 9 (95% CI = 138–172, CV = 0.06) between 1999–2022, with annual abundance ranging between 2 ± 1 and 77 ± 8 individuals. The second approach provided annual abundance estimates from 3 ± 2 to 76 ± 11 for the same period. This study supports the idea of an increased presence of humpback whales in inshore Irish waters, especially during the last decade. Despite this increase, results also highlight the apparently very small size of the North Atlantic humpback whale subgroup occurring in the inshore waters of Ireland. The publication is available here: https://journal.iwc.int/index.php/jcrm/article/view/509 Many thanks, Miguel Blázquez Hervás PhD candidate Marine and Freshwater Research Centre Atlantic Technological University Galway, Ireland Miguel Blázquez Hervás - ATU Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (mfrc-atu.ie)<https://mfrc-atu.ie/meet-the-team/miguel-blazquez-hervas/> Funded under a Goverment of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship [cid:image001.jpg@01DA26CD.0A4F95F0] Tá an ríomhphost seo faoi réir an tséanta seo leanas atá le fáil ag Séanadh Ríomhphost Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer> This e-mail is subject to the following disclaimer available at Atlantic TU Email Disclaimer<https://www.atu.ie/email-disclaimer>

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New Publication: Seasonal changes in humpback whale gene expression
by jake linsky 03 Dec '23

03 Dec '23

Hi MARMAMers, On behalf of my co-authors I am pleased to share our new publication in Molecular Ecology: A novel RT-qPCR health assay reveals differential expression of stress and immunoregulatory genes between the seasonal migrations of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Open access is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17209 Abstract: Health information is essential for the conservation management of whale species. However, assessing the health of free-ranging whales is challenging as samples are primarily limited to skin and blubber tissue. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) offers a method to measure health from blubber RNA, providing insights into energetic status, stress and immune activity. To identify changes in health, natural differences in baseline gene expression linked to an individual's sex, reproductive status and life-history stage must first be quantified. This study aimed to establish baseline gene expression indices of health in migrating humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). To do this, we developed an assay to quantify seven health-related gene transcripts (Leptin, Leptin Receptor, Adiponectin, Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor, Tumour Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-6, Heat Shock Protein-70) and used Bayesian mixed effect models to assess differential baseline expression based on sex, lactation status and migration stage (northbound to and southbound from the annual breeding grounds). Results showed no significant contribution of sex to differential baseline expression. However, lactating individuals exhibited downregulated AhR and HSP-70 compared to non-lactating conspecifics. Additionally, southbound individuals demonstrated significantly upregulated HSP-70 and downregulated TNF-alpha, suggesting a relationship between these inflammation-linked transcripts and migratory fasting. Our results suggest that baseline differences due to migratory stage and lactation status should be considered in health applications of this assay. Future monitoring efforts can use our baseline measurements to better understand how gene expression is tied to population-level impacts, such as reduced prey availability or migratory stressors. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Kind regards, Jacob M.J. Linsky, PhD (he/him) School of the Environment | Moreton Bay Research Station The University of Queensland +61 482 795 388 j.linsky(a)uq.edu.au

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Biologist, GS-0401-11 with National Park Service-Southeast Alaska Network in Juneau, Alaska - Application period extended through December 11, 2023
by Womble, Jamie N 01 Dec '23

01 Dec '23

Biologist, GS-0401-11 with National Park Service-Southeast Alaska Network in Juneau, Alaska - Application period extended through December 11, 2023 A Biologist position is currently open with the National Park Service-Southeast Alaska Network (Southeast Alaska Inventory & Monitoring Network (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)<https://www.nps.gov/im/sean/index.htm> in Juneau. Duties of the position include the following: * Lead and develop long-term monitoring program for marine wildlife including marine mammals (sea otters and pinnipeds), seabirds, and their habitats in marine ecosystems in Alaska. * Independently execute and lead complex field biology and ecological monitoring programs in remote marine ecosystems in Alaska. * Produce written peer-reviewed monitoring protocols and journal publications, deliver oral presentations for scientific audiences and the public. * Conduct data analyses and synthesis of ecological data using contemporary methods and modelling approaches. * Provide and interpret information regarding marine wildlife population status, ecology, and policy to park managers in support of park resource stewardship and collaborate and interact with diverse staff and partners to implement program priorities and advance the understanding of park ecosystems. Links to the announcements on USAJOBS: Merit: AK-1537-GLBA-24-12187865-ST<https://www.usajobs.gov/job/761575600> [https://www.usajobs.gov/media/content/usajobs-branded-search.png]<https://www.usajobs.gov/job/761575600> Biologist<https://www.usajobs.gov/job/761575600> This position is located in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, in the Southeast Alaska Network Team in Juneau, Alaska. Government housing is not available. This position is also being advertised concurrently under Delegated Examining Unit procedures, vacancy number AK-1537-GLBA-24-12187864-DE, which is open to all qualified U.S. Citizens. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods. www.usajobs.gov<http://www.usajobs.gov/> DEU: AK-1537-GLBA-24-12187864<https://www.usajobs.gov/job/761575400> [https://www.usajobs.gov/media/content/usajobs-branded-search.png]<https://www.usajobs.gov/job/761575400> Biologist<https://www.usajobs.gov/job/761575400> This position is located in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, in the Southeast Alaska Network Team in Juneau, Alaska. Government housing is not available. This announcement is being advertised concurrently under number AK-1537-GLBA-24-12187865-ST. which is open to all merit promotion and status candidates. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods www.usajobs.gov<http://www.usajobs.gov/> Thank you, Jamie Jamie N. Womble, Ph.D. Supervisory Biologist / Program Lead National Park Service, Glacier Bay Field Station Southeast Alaska Network Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve 3100 National Park Road Juneau, Alaska 99801 USA 907.364.1577 (office) 907.957.1563 (mobile) https://www.nps.gov/articles/jamie-womble.htm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.nps.gov/articles/jamie-womble.htm__;…> https://www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/seal.htm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.nps.gov/glba/learn/nature/seal.htm__…> https://www.nps.gov/im/sean/seaotters.htm<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.nps.gov/im/sean/seaotters.htm__;!!J2…>

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New publication: Communication in Cook Inlet beluga whales: Describing the vocal repertoire and masking of calls by commercial ship noise
by Arial Brewer 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Dear MARMAM community, On behalf of my co-authors, I am excited to share our recent publication in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, entitled "Communication in Cook Inlet beluga whales: Describing the vocal repertoire and masking of calls by commercial ship noise." The paper is available here. Feel free to also email me for the PDF. https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jasa/article-abstract/154/5/3487/2925354/Communica… Abstract: Many species rely on acoustic communication to coordinate activities and communicate to conspecifics. Cataloging vocal behavior is a first step towards understanding how individuals communicate information and how communication may be degraded by anthropogenic noise. The Cook Inlet beluga population is endangered with an estimated 331 individuals. Anthropogenic noise is considered a threat for this population and can negatively impact communication. To characterize this population's vocal behavior, vocalizations were measured and classified into three categories: whistles (*n* = 1264, 77%), pulsed calls (*n* = 354, 22%), and combined calls (*n* = 15, 1%), resulting in 41 call types. Two quantitative analyses were conducted to compare with the manual classification. A classification and regression tree and Random Forest had a 95% and 85% agreement with the manual classification, respectively. The most common call types per category were then used to investigate masking by commercial ship noise. Results indicate that these call types were partially masked by distant ship noise and completely masked by close ship noise in the frequency range of 0–12 kHz. Understanding vocal behavior and the effects of masking in Cook Inlet belugas provides important information supporting the management of this endangered population. Best, Arial Brewer arialb(a)uw.edu Arial Brewer PhD Student | Berdahl <https://fish.uw.edu/faculty/andrew-berdahl/> / Van Cise Labs <https://www.amyvancise.com/> School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences University of Washington- Seattle & Research Scientist Cetacean Assessment and Ecology Program, Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries Pronouns: she/her

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New paper: Dynamic species distribution models of Antarctic blue whales in the Weddell Sea using visual sighting and passive acoustic monitoring data
by Ahmed El-Gabbas 30 Nov '23

30 Nov '23

Hello, On behalf of my colleagues, we are pleased to share the following paper recently accepted by Diversity and Distributions: "Dynamic species distribution models of Antarctic blue whales in the Weddell Sea using visual sighting and passive acoustic monitoring data" Authors: Ahmed El-Gabbas, Karolin Thomisch, Ilse Van Opzeeland, Elke Burkhardt, Olaf Boebel https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.13790 [open access] ABSTRACT: Aim: Species distribution models (SDMs) are essential tools in ecology and conservation. However, the scarcity of visual sightings of marine mammals in remote polar areas hinders the effective application of SDMs there. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data provide year-round information and overcome foul weather limitations faced by visual surveys. However, the use of PAM data in SDMs has been sparse so far. Here, we use PAM-based SDMs to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of the critically endangered Antarctic blue whale in the Weddell Sea. Location: The Weddell Sea. Methods: We used presence-only dynamic SDMs employing visual sightings and PAM detections in independent models. We compared the two independent models with a third combined model that integrated both visual and PAM data, aiming at leveraging the advantages of each data type: the extensive spatial extent of visual data and the broader temporal/environmental range of PAM data. Results: Visual and PAM data prove complementary, as indicated by a low spatial overlap between daily predictions and the low predictability of each model at detections of other data types. Combined data models reproduced suitable habitats as given by both independent models. Visual data models indicate areas close to the sea ice edge (SIE) and with low-to-moderate sea ice concentrations (SIC) as suitable, while PAM data models identified suitable habitats at a broader range of distances to SIE and relatively higher SIC. Main Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential of PAM data to predict year-round marine mammal habitat suitability at large spatial scales. We provide reasons for discrepancies between SDMs based on either data type and give methodological recommendations on using PAM data in SDMs. Combining visual and PAM data in future SDMs is promising for studying vocalized animals, particularly when using recent advances in integrated distribution modelling methods. Kind regards, Ahmed El-Gabbas

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